In an instant, Cassie must put aside all her day-to-day worries: her looks, a job she likes (well deals with), what to wear. At twenty-nine, she receives sudden, life-changing news. She realizes that her everyday life with her fiancé, Jake, was pretty amazing. Who cares about a sarcastic boss or a promotion when losing everything has become a terrifying reality?

Cassie’s shocking news infiltrates the lives of everyone she loves, particularly Jake and her estranged sister, Sandy. Jake wants to be strong for Cassie, but this unexpected turn brings back painful memories—and a terrible secret he’s shared with no one. Sandy, who ran away to pursue stardom, is called home to face those she left behind. The golden child of the family, Sandy fell from her pedestal long ago. Will she be able to face her own failures?

As Cassie struggles against an uncertain future, Jake and Sandy battle with the demons of the past. All three will learn valuable lessons about love, forgiveness and appreciating the days we’re given.

Sandy took a big sip of her drink and wove with him through a sea of people to an intimate corner booth. She was young again, with her future all in front of her. Another sip. At least for this night.

“This place is packed!” she exclaimed as she slid next to him.

“Always is.” He inched closer to her. “So, what kind of work do you do?” He looked directly at her. She loved his attention.

“I work in fashion.” The lie slipped easily off her tongue.

“Fashion, very cool. I work in finance on Wall Street,” he said firmly, obviously very impressed with himself.

Sandy took the bait. She was impressed with him, too. Nervously toying with a strand of hair, she searched her brain for something intelligent to say about his career, but she could think of nothing except the movie with Michael Douglas. She took the safe route and simply nodded.

“Do you live near here?” he asked, unconcerned by her lack of response.

“Not far. And you?” Sandy drained her glass, enjoying the warmth of the alcohol as it ran down her throat. She could feel the familiar high of a good buzz. She relaxed into it and escaped the stress of today—and her life.

“Near, too. Near is a nice place to be,” he said, grazing the top of her leg with his hand.

Sandy shivered at his touch.

“You’re beautiful, you know,” he continued. Sandy averted her eyes. She hadn’t flirted in years and his attention was flattering, but also off-putting. She was out of practice.

He traced the side of her face gently with his fingertips. It was jarring to feel another man’s touch. “You are,” he whispered. He was mere inches in front of her. The spicy scent of his cologne mixed with the smell of gin and tonic in an intoxicating way. She felt the warmth of his breath on her neck. Lust filled the small space between them.

Sandy placed her hand on his chest, feeling the sinew of his muscles. The noise of the room muted and she was aware of only the presence of him. Every sense of hers was heightened. She felt his other hand run slowly down her back, his fingertips softly touching her skin. Sandy’s heart raced and her breath quickened. Her mind had long abandoned logic and was working solely only on emotion. She moved closer to him with longing, her body aching for more. He finally leaned in to her, gently kissing her on the lips, ending the slow, delicious torture of desire.

“Iron Butterfly by Lisa Wainland is a story that feels so realistic you can imagine these characters could be anyone you know. Wainland’s perceptive descriptions lend a richness to the lives of each character…She breathes life into them in such a way that I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book.” —Brenda Casto, Readers’ Favorite

Lisa Wainland has been a radio professional for more than two decades. She’s a successful voiceover artist who works with some of the biggest names in radio and television. Her debut chick-lit novel, Rock Radio, is an Amazon Bestseller and a Readers’ Favorite Award Winner.